Verizon tapped Juniper Networks to deliver a major overhaul of its core fibre network, a move deemed essential to meet future demand for the US operator’s 5G services.

Juniper Networks will upgrade older router equipment to 400Gb/s per port optical technology. Once the work is completed, Verizon will be able to manage 115Tb/s of data on its network at any given time.

Kyle Malady, president of Verizon’s Global Networks and Technology (pictured), branded its fibre network “the largely invisible foundation” for “the scalability and reliability” the operator needed.

The upgraded packet core will “provide the reliability and capacity” Verizon needs to meet forecast “future demands” arising from its 5G network, he added.

Verizon’s latest optical core will ultimately offer the potential to be upgraded to 1Tb/s per port, allowing the operator to manage 230Tb/s.

A Verizon representative stated Juniper Networks’ is deploying its PTX10008 and PTX10004 routers, which occupy half the space of current equipment, use less power and lower operational costs.

Advanced automation will speed decision making and amendments, with the new equipment also incorporating reporting telemetry enabling real-time adjustments, and segment routing.

Verizon intends to broaden the geographic footprint of the fibre network, in turn improving redundancy.